These pumpkin chai cookies with coffee icing just scream fall! The cookies are thick, perfectly round, and rolled in a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Then, they are topped with the homemade coffee icing and homemade chai spice! They might seem complicated, but they are beyond easy and fool-proof! They are best enjoyed with a glass of milk (or so I am told) or a hot drink, such as, spiced apple cider, chai tea, or coffee.
Why I love this recipe!
The main reason why I love these pumpkin chai cookies is the combination of flavors! Think pumpkin cookie with a bit of snickerdoodle mixed in, with a side of coffee, and a sprinkle of chai spice. It basically combines all of the mouthwatering flavors of fall into one cookie! There is a lot going on in each bite, but everything goes together so well.
I also love that the cookie is thick and dense. It holds up well and does not fall in once it is cooled. I think that they are just as good on day two and three as they are fresh out of the oven! So, you can enjoy them for a few days… if they last, that is.
How to make these pumpkin chai cookies healthier:
Instead of using white sugar, I always use coconut sugar! You can substitute it one for one. I like coconut sugar because it is less processed and is a real food. I like using this one from Thrive Market because it is much cheaper than the others I have seen at the grocery store.
About the Chai Spice…
I love this mixture! It instantly transforms any normal baked good into a fall themed baked good. You can bake it into things or use it as a topping, or do both like we did with this recipe! Keep the extra in a zip-locked baggie and use it in your coffee or in any fall inspired drink.
Coffee Icing
Wow is all I can say! If you like the taste of coffee, you will LOVE this icing! It is just as simple as any other homemade icing, but it tastes so much better! All you need are some coffee grounds. I love the Trader Joe’s cold brew coffee grounds. They have a strong flavor, but it is not too overpowering for the icing.
If you make these cookies be sure to let me know, leave a review, or tag me in a photo! I love hearing from y’all and I value your feedback.
Pumpkin Chai Cookies with Coffee Icing
Ingredients
Chai Spice
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp all spice
- 1 tsp clove
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
Pumpkin Cookies
- 1 stick butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or white sugar)
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp homemade chai spice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Coffee Icing
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 stick butter
- 1 tbsp ground cold brew (or any ground coffee)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Instructions
- Start by combining all of the chai spice ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- Add the stick of butter, coconut oil, brown sugar, and coconut sugar to a large bowl. Using a mixer, beat until well combined.
- Beat in the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the flour, 1 tbsp. of the chai spice, and the baking soda until everything is well combined.
- Stick the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar mixture.
- Once the dough comes out of the refrigerator, roll into 1 tablespoon sized balls. Run them through the cinnamon-sugar mixture and place on the baking sheet. You might have to flour your hands. The dough should be a little sticky. Gently flatten each dough ball until they are about 3/4 of an inch thick.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes.
- To prepare the icing, add the coffee grounds to 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. of warm water. Using a mixer, beat togeher the cream cheese and butter for 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar, vanilla, and coffee. Beat until everything is well combined and the icing looks fluffy. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, combine the coffee grounds with only 1 tbsp. of warm water.
- Once the cookies have cooled, top them with the icing and sprinkle on a little bit of the remaining chai spice.
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